Sizing Solar Hot Water Heater:

Just as you have to choose a  40 or 50-gallon conventional water heater, you need to determine the right size of solar hot water heater to install.

Things To Consider While Sizing Solar Hot Water Heater:

• The selection of the size of the system depending on the number of family members by whom the hot water will be used.
• The number of tubes must be estimated.
• The selection of the size of the solar water heater tank.
• The insolation i.e. the hours of sunshine per year is checked.
• The solar collector must be perfectly sited.
• The orientation i.e.. how much it gets deviated from the true North / South line should be checked.
• The local latitude and the roof angle should be checked and the difference between the two should be calculated. 
• The desired flow rate of the pump should be determined.
• The total dynamic head must be calculated.

Before deciding on the size of a solar water system it is very much necessary to select an unshaded area where there must be a good exposure to sunlight almost throughout the year. There must be availability of bright sunlight. Mainly the ground or a site on the terrace or roof is proved to be the best for solar water system. The area must be totally unshaded.

Sizing a solar water heater involves determining the total collector area and the storage volume required to provide 100% of your household's hot water during the summer.

Solar Hot Water Heater Installation on Metal Roof

Solar hot water storage tanks are usually 250, 300, or 400-liter capacity. A small 250 liter (50 to 60 gallon) system is sufficient for 1 to 3 people, a medium 300 liter (80-gallon) system is adequate for a 3- or 4-person household, and a large 400 liter (100-gallon) system is appropriate for 4 to 6 people. 

A rule of thumb for sizing collectors: allow about 20 square feet (about 2 square meters) of collector area for each of the first two family members and 8 square feet (0.7 square meter) for each additional family member. 

A ratio of at least 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of storage capacity to 1 square foot (0.1 square meter) of collector area prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low.

In very warm, sunny climates, experts suggest that the ratio should be at least 2 gallons (7.6 liters) of storage to 1 square foot (0.1 square meter) of collector area.

For example, a family of four in a northern climate would need between 64 and 68 square feet (5.9 and 6.3 square meters) of collector area and a 96- to 102-gallon (363- to 386-liter) storage tank. (This assumes 20 square feet of collector area for the first person, 20 for the second person, 12 to 14 for the third person, and 12 to 14 for the fourth person.

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